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The Precast Focus is one tool in PCI Midwest’s information toolbox. It is intended to emphasize the benefits of using precast concrete, showcase new technologies, and illustrate why precast concrete is the perfect choice.

 

EXPLORE, DESIGN AND BUILD WITH PRECAST CONCRETE

Precast concrete construction is the top choice of owners, architects, engineers, and general contractors for designing and building high performance structures that are inherently versatile, efficient and resilient.

WHY CAN PRECAST CONCRETE’S SPEED OF CONSTRUCTION BE SO FAST?

Precast concrete structures provide exceptionally fast speed of construction compared with conventional on-site cast-in-place concrete, masonry, wood or steel construction.

INTEGRATING UTILITY SYSTEMS WITH PRECAST CONCRETE

The most common and efficient method to integrate and install utility systems with precast concrete construction is to locate and position utility lines and openings in precast wall panels at the plant during production.

ADAPTIVE REUSE OF PRECAST CONCRETE BUILDINGS

Precast concrete is a high performance building material offering many attributes and benefits, one of which is use versatility.

BUILDING RESIDENTIAL HOUSING STRUCTURES WITH PRECAST CONCRETE

Residential housing structures are designed and built with precast concrete to meet or exceed high performance design goals.

HOW PRECAST CONCRETE IS MADE

Precast concrete is cast into a specific shape in a controlled environment at a PCI-Certified precast concrete plant.

PCI ERECTOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

PCI Certification is recognized as the leading and most widely specified quality-assurance program in the construction industry.

NEW PCI ARCHITECTURAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

The new PCI Architectural Certification Program is the first of its kind, backed by the reputation and expertise of the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI).

WHY SPECIFY PRECAST CONCRETE?

High performance precast concrete is versatile, efficient, and resilient.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CEMENT AND CONCRETE?

In everyday speech, people use the words “cement” and “concrete” interchangeably. But are they really the same? No, they are not.

PRECAST CONCRETE WALL PANELS VS. BRICK AND CONCRETE MASONRY

The exterior façade of a building is its signature. But a building envelope’s materials are more than just a visual appearance.

HOW PRECAST BUILDS: RESILIENT STRUCTURES

High performance precast concrete structures are inherently resilient and provide excellent protection against high winds from tornados and hurricanes, storm water surge and floods, fires, earthquakes, and blasts.

EXPOSED AGGREGATE BY CHEMICAL RETARDERS AND WATER WASHING

Chemical surface retarders and water washing can be used to texture the surface of hardened concrete to provide an exposed aggregate finish.

BUILDING INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURES WITH PRECAST CONCRETE

Industrial structures are designed and built with precast concrete to meet or exceed high performance design goals.

WHAT IS PRECAST CONCRETE?

Precast concrete and precast, prestressed concrete excel in strength, sustainability, functionality, and durability.

PRECAST CONCRETE WALLS

Precast concrete wall systems can be comprised of a variety of shapes, and wall types.

PRECAST CONCRETE FLOORS AND ROOFS

Floors are the key element when it comes to architectural freedom and design.

PRECAST CONCRETE BEAMS AND COLUMNS

Precast concrete is a versatile structural material that can be used as the structural system of a building, bridge, or other structure.

EFFICIENT MAINTENANCE OF PRECAST CONCRETE PARKING STRUCTURES

Precast, prestressed concrete parking structures are exceptionally durable, and are well-suited for areas where corrosion could be a problem.

PRECAST CONCRETE STRUCTURES ARE RESILIENT

Precast, prestressed concrete contributes to sustainable designs in many ways.

WHY SHOULD YOU BUILD YOUR SCHOOL USING PRECAST CONCRETE?

Precast concrete building systems are ideal for K-12 schools and college and university campuses including dormitories, classrooms, laboratories, offices, parking structures, stadiums, theaters, and more.

STORM RESISTANCE OF PRECAST CONCRETE STRUCTURES

Precast concrete structures are inherently resilient and provide excellent protection against high winds from tornados and hurricanes, storm surge, and flying debris.

PRECAST CONCRETE WALL PANEL ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITS

Precast concrete wall panels provide a single-source solution for supplying the exterior wall system for your building.

FAST SPEED OF CONSTRUCTION WITH PRECAST CONCRETE

Precast concrete structures offer exceptional fast speed of construction compared with conventional cast-in-place concrete, masonry, wood, or steel construction.

CORROSION RESISTANCE OF PRECAST CONCRETE STRUCTURES

Corrosion of reinforcing steel in precast concrete structures is seldom a problem when compared with cast-in-place concrete construction.

BLAST RESISTANCE OF PRECAST CONCRETE STRUCTURES

Most United States government and military structures are required to consider blast demands and structural integrity in the design process.

VIBRATION CONTROL WITH PRECAST CONCRETE STRUCTURES

Precast, prestressed concrete structures, because of their stiffness and massive concrete floors, provide significantly better vibration control and damping characteristics compared to conventional wood or steel construction.

FIRE RESISTANCE OF PRECAST CONCRETE STRUCTURES

Precast concrete provides inherent fire protection and resiliency. Concrete does not combust; therefore, it helps to contain fires in a controlled space.

ACOUSTICAL CONTROL WITH PRECAST CONCRETE STRUCTURES

The basic objective of architectural acoustics is to provide a pleasant environment where desired sounds are clearly heard by the intended listener and unwanted sounds or noise are isolated or absorbed.

THE UNSURPASSED BENEFITS OF USING PRECAST CONCRETE FOR MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING

Precast concrete structures offer unsurpassed benefits for designing and building multi-family housing projects by providing high quality products with faster speed of construction and shortening project schedules.

PARTNERING WITH YOUR LOCAL PRECAST CONCRETE PRODUCER

Design-assist can play an important role, where every stakeholder on the project team has an early seat at the table.

PRECAST CONCRETE WITHSTANDS EVERYDAY USE... AND NOT SO EVERYDAY USE

All structures and buildings are subject to everyday wear and tear, and this is where the use of precast concrete really makes sense. Precast concrete’s hard, tough surface is extremely resistant to everyday dents and dings. Sometimes everyday dents

FIVE UNIQUE BENEFITS OF PRECAST CONCRETE DOUBLE TEES

One of the most commonly manufactured precast concrete components is the double tee. As the name suggests, double tees resemble two capital letter T’s placed side by side.

FORMLINERS MAKE PRECAST CONCRETE PRETTY AS A PICTURE

New technology exists that allows the design professional to think completely outside the box. Photo-engraved, 3D relief formliners, and photo concrete films provide life-like images never before possible in concrete building design.

CUSTOM FORMLINERS OPEN A WORLD OF CREATIVE OPPORTUNITY

Most formliner manufacturers have the ability to produce custom made formliners. This broadens the realms even further for building design and provides architects a unique opportunity to be as creative as they desire.

WHATS ALL THE NOISE ABOUT PRECAST

Precast concrete is incredibly dense, and the process used to create it makes it denser than other concrete options. This density is why it is used in many walls and privacy construction elements for large-scale construction as well as sound walls...

OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION

Our world has been turned upside down by a health pandemic, and as the construction industry evaluates how to safely and efficiently move forward, surely off-site construction will be at the top of everyone’s mind.

INSULATED PRECAST CONCRETE WALL PANELS

Insulated precast concrete wall panels have all the benefits of traditional precast such as durability, acoustic absorption, and quick install, in addition to the added bonus of being an all-in-one complete building enclosure system.

DATA CENTERS

The goal of a data center is to keep your information safe and secure. Stringent design requirements consider conditions like hurricanes, fire and other forces of man or nature, and our data center products and solutions provide the ultimate...

THIN BRICK

Fired Clay Brick is one of the world’s oldest and most durable building material utilized in the construction industry.

THE BENEFITS OF OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION

Offsite construction refers to the planning, design, fabrication, manufacturing, and assembly of building elements at a location other than their final permanent location to support the rapid speed of, and efficient construction...

HOW IS PC STRAND MADE?

PC Strand, or prestressed concrete steel strand, is a twisted steel cable composed of high strength steel wires that are stress-relieved (stabilized) for use in producing prestressed concrete.

ABRASIVE BLASTING

Abrasive blasting can be used to texture the surface of hardened concrete to provide an exposed aggregate surface. The blasting wears away the paste as well as fine aggregate to produce an exposed aggregate finish.

STEP IT UP WITH PRECAST CONCRETE STAIRS

Precast concrete stairs are cost-effective and convenient. Precast concrete stairs can be used in any application where a stair tower or individual steps are required.

PRECAST CONCRETE INSULATED SANDWICH WALL PANELS

High performance precast concrete insulated sandwich wall panels provide a versatile, efficient, attractive and resilient building enclosure system. PCI-certified precast concrete insulated sandwich wall panels are also very economical...

PRECAST CONCRETE STORM SHELTERS AND SAFE ROOMS SAVE LIVES

When severe weather approaches, precast concrete safe rooms and storm shelters provide protection and peace of mind for families and communities. Here are just six benefits of using precast concrete to construct storm shelters and safe rooms.

PRECAST VS PRESTRESSED CONCRETE

Precast concrete is concrete cast into a specific shape at a location other than its in-service position. Prestressed concrete is structural concrete in which internal stresses have been introduced to reduce potential tensile stresses in concrete res

HIGH PERFORMANCE STRUCTURES AND HIGH PERFORMANCE PRECAST CONCRETE

WHAT IS A HIGH PERFORMANCE STRUCTURE? The United States Government defines a high performance structure as one that “...integrates and optimizes on a lifecycle basis all major high performance attributes including energy and water conservation...

WHY SPECIFY PCI CERTIFICATION?

PCI offers a stringent quality assurance program, not just a marketplace credential. The PCI Certification program was developed and is updated by a team representing all industry stakeholders.

WHY PRECAST STADIA?

If you have attended sporting events or concerts, you most likely have been seated on precast stadia and didn’t know it.